Helicopter License Center

A Private Helicopter License is a permit to fly a helicopter for recreational use. With a Private Helicopter License, you may fly a helicopter for travel and enjoyment purposes, including transporting passengers and luggage, as long as you haven’t been hired to do so. It’s against the law for private helicopter pilots to receive any form of payment or compensation for flying a helicopter, but the Federal Aviation Administration does allow you to share fuel costs and operating expenses.

FAA eligibility requirements:

1. be at least 17 years of age
2. be able to read, speak and write English
3. pass a FAA medical examination
4. complete a minimum of 40 hours of helicopter flight training
5. pass a FAA written test
6. pass a FAA oral test
7. pass a FAA practical flight test

FAA flight training requirements:

1. 20 total hours of dual flight instruction
2. 3 hours of dual cross-country flight
3. 3 hours of night flight including 10 take offs and landings
4. 10 hours in preparation for the flight test
5. 10 hours of solo flight time including 3 hours of cross-country flight

These are the minimum flight requirements as regulated by the FAA. However, many flight schools and programs require additional flight time and other specific prerequisites before you can qualify for a private helicopter license.

How long does it take to get my Private Helicopter License?

The time it takes to earn your Private Helicopter License can vary greatly. If you’re determined, work a full training schedule and satisfy all the curriculum with minimum problems, you can expect to earn your Private Helicopter License in as little as 8 weeks. Others take a more casual approach, spreading out their flight hours and meeting program requirements at their own pace. There’s no law about how long you can take to earn your pilot license. You just have to meet all the requirements.

How much does it cost to get my Private Helicopter License?

The cost for earning your Private Helicopter License will vary from program to program, just as tuition fees vary from college to college. That said, the average rate is about $250 an hour for your flight training. Given you’ll need at least 40 hours of flight training (sometimes private helicopter pilot programs require 60 hours or more), you can expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 to over $15,000 to satisfy your flight requirements. This will be the bulk of your costs for earning your Private Helicopter License. You’ll also be responsible for course materials and ground training, but that will cost nowhere near as much as your flight training expenses.